A South Korean ferry sank three hours from its destination with 475 people on board, many of them high school students. The Sewol ferry was bound for the island of Jeju from Incheon when it made a sharp turn and suddenly listed and began to take on water. Maneuvers to right the 6,852 ton ship failed, despite being well within the parameters for success. As of this briefing at least 64 passengers and crew died, and 268 are still missing. There were 179 rescued survivors. Rough weather, strong currents and murky waters have hampered rescue efforts.
Investigators are trying to determine whether the abrupt turn threw the boat off balance by shifting the trucks, cars and cargo leading to the disaster. A third mate was at the helm and the captain was not on the bridge as required by law when traveling through the island region.
The captain apparently delayed evacuation for 30 minutes after a transportation official on shore gave the order to prepare life vests for evacuation.
Kang Min-Kyu, 52,the vice principal of the high school whose students made up the bulk of those aboard the stricken ferry committed suicide Friday after being rescued.
A surviving crew member criticized the captain for leaving the ship after telling the people to stay inside the sinking vessel.
Hope that any one is still alive inside the ship has faded.
“Confusion, collision, and death without a moment’s warning will occur on the great lines of travel. The end is near, probation is closing. Oh, let us seek God while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near!” Messages to Young People, page 90